Biosecurity management in shrimp aquaculture prevents catastrophic disease outbreaks, but some biosecurity measures have welfare implications requiring careful assessment.
Biosecurity management protects shrimp welfare at the population level by preventing disease outbreaks that cause mass mortality. However, individual welfare implications of biosecurity interventions vary. Chemical treatments for pathogen control can cause acute stress responses. Overcrowding in intensive biosecure systems increases chronic stress. Prophylactic antibiotic use is harmful to welfare through AMR development and microbiome disruption. The most welfare-positive biosecurity approach uses SPF broodstock, optimal water quality management, and avoiding unnecessary chemical interventions.